Why Golf in Michigan?
There’s only one way to tackle life, enjoy a day at the beach, and jump into a Great Lake: Headfirst!
Viola Shipman
Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes of the upper Midwestern United States. This scenic state is home to lush forests, breathtaking trails, and star-spangled skies.
Famous for its Sleeping Bear Dunes, expansive blueberry fields, and picturesque camping sites, Michigan is a charming destination for golf enthusiasts and pros. Tee off at luxury and traditional golf courses set against pristine beaches, an impressive skyline, lush fairways, and rugged terrain.
History
Golf was played in Michigan as early as 1888, when residents of the state teed off at Roaring Brook Course in Harbor Springs. Harbor Point Golf Course and Wequetonsing Golf Club were the earliest known golf courses to have existed shortly after, but Roaring Brook Course is now no more.
While Michigan was slowly entering the world of golf, two Scottish designers, Willie Park Jr. Tom Bendelow and Tom Bendelow, had arrived in the state. In 1887 and 1889, Willie went on to follow in his father’s and uncle’s footsteps by securing two championships. He later penned a book titled, The Game of Golf, the first book of its kind on the sport.
While Willie enjoyed golf, it was designing golf courses and clubs that were his main passion. The most noteworthy course to have been designed by Willie was the Olympia Fields-North in Illinois. He was behind the reformation of the famous Red Run Golf Club.
Top 10 Michigan Courses
- Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club – Arcadia
- The Loop at Forest Dunes Golf Club – Roscommon
- Lochenheath Golf Club – Williamsburg
- Bay Harbor Golf Club (Links/Quarry) – Bay Harbor
- Eagle Eye – Bath
- Forest Dunes Golf Club – Roscommon
- Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club – Marquette
- Tullymore Golf Resort – Stanwood
- The Bear Golf Course at Grand Traverse Resort – Acme
- Belvedere Golf Club – Charlevoix
Best Time to Travel
Michigan is best experienced from May to October when spring and autumn come around. It’s a great time to enjoy teeing off outdoors when the weather is fairly pleasant. This state can get pretty crowded so it’s best to visit in late spring or early fall.
Michigan gets hot in July and August while in December to January, it gets extremely cold and snowy with heavy precipitation.
